The Democratic and Electoral Services Manager introduced the report and explained the base map which had been split along the defined urban boundary and along the river. There had been some input from individual Members but further engagement was sought through workshops. The principles used to create the new boundary proposals were outlined, and the final decision would be made by full Council on 13 April 2022.

In response to questions, the Democratic and Electoral Services Manager explained that the team was working closely with the software provider, and that if individual Members or groups requested specific areas to be mapped the team would facilitate this. The base map with the urban and rural boundaries had been created in line with the Local Government Boundary Commission for England’s (LGBCE) advice on beginning a boundary review, and highlighted that this was a starting point and the boundaries were not fixed. The Community Governance Review which would address parish boundaries would begin in 2023. Members could provide boundary submissions for individual wards directly to the LGBCE, and this could include narrative in addition to maps. Although neighbourhood plans would not be evidence on their own, they could help to argue strong community identity and cohesion.

RESOLVED: That the principles set out in paragraph 2.4 of the report be agreed.